Connecting humane horse handling to human development
We are a registered non-profit offering one-on-one, adult and youth lessons and programs. We hope to expand our services in the future!
About Us
WHY HORSES?
Humans and horses co-evolved and existed in a symbiotic relationship for centuries. Civilization and large scale agriculture would have been impossible without this partnership; as such, many people are biophillic, especially children. Horses consistently make the top five of ‘most favorite’ animal lists. Hippotherapy, the medicinal and therapeutic use of horses, was first identified by Hippocrates as being able to improve the well-being of those deemed incurably depressed.
Horses, like humans, are naturally a social species that communicates through touch and body language; horses are also capable of forming close relationships with other species. Both experience emotional distress and malfunctioning when unable to develop a stable attachment to another. Humans and horses also have considerable differences, notably the contrasting predator-prey dynamic. In order to successfully interact with horses, humans must develop empathy and the ability to view the world through another’s perspective and adapt to accommodate this. Both empathy and social connection have been in decline in the 21st century; interactions with horses are a way to restore some of what has been lost in our current society.
To quote the Dalai Lama, “love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive”. The Hope and Horses Society promotes humane and empathetic training, riding, and handling methods in an effort to teach this. Horses used in the program are kept in a natural, herd-like setting on pasture for their health and well-being as well and have just as much a role in guiding sessions as the client and the human facilitator.
Research has identified numerous physical, emotional, and physiological benefits to humans in equine encounters and were well-known prior to modern medicine. Studies have found these benefits are transferable to a variety of populations, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
Benefits known include:
• Improved physical fitness, balance, coordination, and muscle development
• Produce long lasting neurobiological change; use both hemispheres of brain
• Create transferable relational, communication, and emotion regulating skills
• Improve children’s development
• Improve self-esteem and self-efficacy
• Alleviate symptoms of and help treat numerous mental health disorders, incl. depression, anxiety, PTSD, reactive attachment disorder, attachment disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, eating disorders, etc. Horses have also benefited those with acquired brain injury, physical and mental disabilities.
• Release oxytocin, endorphins; lower blood pressure; improve heart rate variability; decrease cortisol levels; alter human’s neurobiology for short and long-lasting change
Fulfill need for connection, love, affection, safe touch; co-regulate heart rate and brain waves through electromagnetic energy fields.
Staff
Riding FAQs
Common Questions
What should I wear for a horse riding lesson?
Full length pants that allow for freedom of movement. Wearing closed shoes is mandatory; footwear with heel are required for riding. Helmets are mandatory for all mounted activities. Some helmets and footwear available to borrow, recommended clients eventually purchase their own riding boots for best fit however.
Do I need prior experience to start horseback riding?
Nope! This program is progressive and begins with unmounted exercises intended to develop a relationship and improve communication with you and your horse. Once this is established, we move to mounted exercises inside an enclosed arena based on the client’s comfort level and individual needs. Each lesson is tailored to where the client is at (and in consideration of the horse’s state that day as well). When you are confident in the saddle and connected to your horse, you have the option of also riding out on the trails- there are tons nearby.
Our program is open to youth and adults.
Are helmets and safety gear provided?
Yes. Boots and helmets can be borrowed. We have a limited selection of footwear, so it is recommended you eventually procure your own pair to ensure the best fit.
How do I book a riding lesson?
Call or text 250-267-6574. If you call, please leave a voicemail with your name and the reason. We can complete the application form and review program policy with you over the phone.
What age can children start horseback riding lessons?
The program is open to youth and adults. It is recommended children be at least 10 years old for this program. Children under 12 years must have their parent or guardian present and willing to support in the lesson. No matter what the age, facilitator retains the right to refuse or terminate services if there is any risk to the horse or rider.
How long is each riding lesson, and what does it include?
You can expect to spend around an hour with the horse. The exact time varies based on the activity and skill level (e.g. going out on the trails will likely be longer).
Are group and private lessons both available?
At this point, sessions are only one-on-one. This is due to the individualized approach of the program to optimize the benefit to the client.
Do you offer packages or discounts for multiple lessons?
Program fees are on a sliding scale that considers the household income. The pricing structure is based on LIM (low income measure), LICO (low income cutoff), and British Columbian tax brackets. Revenue from the program is used to offset the costs of participating in equine activities and allows us to continue to offer this program.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
You must provide notice of a missed lesson 24 hours in advance to be reimbursed (if paid prior). There is a 15 minute grace period for lateness- any later and the session is considered cancelled without refund if pre-paid. Payments are accepted through cash or etransfer. Even if you haven’t paid for the session, it is polite to call and reschedule.